Elegy On The Death Of Sir James Hunter B（2 / 2）

that like a deathful meteor gleam'd afar,

and brav'd the mighty monarchs of the world.

“my patriot son fills an untimely grave!”

with accents wild and lifted arms she cried;

“low lies the hand oft was stretch'd to save,

low lies the heart that swell'd with honest pride.

“a weeping country joins a widow's tear;

the helpless poor mix with the orphan's cry;

the drooping arts surround their patron's bier;

and grateful science heaves the heartfelt sigh!

“i saw my sons resume their ancient fire;

i saw fair freedom's blossoms richly blow:

but ah! how hope is born but to expire!

relentless fate has laid their guardian low.

“my patriot falls: but shall he lie unsung,

while empty greatness saves a worthless name?

no; every muse shall join her tuneful tongue,

and future ages hear his growing fame.

“and i will join a mother's tender cares,

thro' future times to make his virtues last;

that distant years may boast of other blairs!”—

she said, and vanish'd with the sweeping blast.